Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene has warned the youth of Tontokrom in the Amansie South District against confrontation with the military and security personnel protecting a mining concession in dispute.
This is after a refusal to demands to evacuate the military who are tasked to protect the concession from illegal miners.
The Tontokrom community is fighting Asanko Gold Mining Company over ownership of a gold mining concession.
But the Regional Minister has said until investigations into the ownership of the concession is concluded, the youth should cease operations at the area to avoid any confrontation as the military remains at post.
“Pending the conclusion of investigations, I don’t want the youth to go back to the concessions to avert any confrontation,” he stated.
Dr. Amoakohene emphasised his office will engage the military team to ensure there are no confrontations with the people of the area.
On Friday, the youth of the area marched to the Regional Coordinating Council demanding withdrawal of the military from the concession among others.
Frank Owusu who led the youth to present the petition explains that since the return of the military, people in the area are unable to go about their duties.
“The presence of the military has disturbed the peace in the community. People are left in their rooms because the military keeps threatening their lives,” he said.
The gold mining concession at Tontokrom has been a subject of controversy for many years between the community and Asanko Mines.
It is now being mined illegally by youth of the area which the mining company have tried to prevent with security men.
This has sometimes resulted in clashes.
According to the community, the Asanko Mines is yet to gazette the concessions, hence cannot claim ownership.
They also indicated the takeover by the large scale miner will throw them out of business.
But the Regional Minister has directed the youth to halt mining in the area until resolution of the issues after they failed to produce documentation on the concession.
“The Minerals Commission will have to assist us in finding the owners of the concession. If the company owns it, there is little we can do. We only have to appeal to them to cede a portion to the youth,” he said.
The Regional Minister has assured a bold decision will be made in resolution of the issues assuring lasting peace.
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